Tsuneishi Kamtecs Sets New Goals for Expanding in Southeast Asia

このページを日本語で読む

Tsuneishi Kamtecs Corporation, headquartered in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is a leader in industrial waste treatment and recycling. In January, the company appointed 45-year-old Fumio Kambara as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Under his leadership, the company has outlined its commitment to contributing to environmental preservation overseas while expanding its business in the Southeast Asia-Pacific region.

As part of this vision, Tsuneishi Kamtecs has set an ambitious goal of establishing waste incineration operations in Southeast Asia by 2030.

Achieving this goal, however, will not be an easy task. What obstacles stand in the way of this vision, and how does the company plan to overcome them?

Masamichi Itoh is the company's 43-year-old executive officer overseeing overseas operations. In an interview with JAPAN Forward Editor in Chief Yasuo Naito, Itoh shared his perspective. Excerpts follow.

*Masamichi Itoh, Executive Officer overseeing overseas operations at Tsuneishi Kamtecs, in an interview. (©JAPAN Forward by Yasuo Naito)*

Challenges Abound: A Path Japan Once Walked

Itoh explained that governments in Southeast Asia face critical shortages of both funding and technology to develop proper waste management systems. Due to the absence of waste segregation, it is currently impossible to develop effective waste incineration plans.

Additionally, the region faces socio-economic challenges, such as supporting individuals who make a living scavenging landfills. Waste disposal systems are often entangled with vested interests and criminal elements, including the mafia. Moreover, legal systems in the region have not kept pace. Their failure to penalize illegal dumping and unregulated landfill operations has left such practices virtually unchecked.

As a consequence, low-cost illegal landfills are often favored over more sustainable solutions. This makes it difficult for incineration businesses to remain financially viable. Despite some companies attempting to establish incineration operations in Southeast Asia, the lack of profitability continues to perpetuate a cycle of challenges for the industry.

*Masamichi Ito is also actively involved in interacting with children in the Philippines.(©Tsuneishi Kamtecs)*

Seeing Beyond the Challenges

Even so, Itoh has his eyes set on Southeast Asia's future. "Southeast Asian countries, located near Japan, are experiencing rapid economic growth and increasing waste volumes. Japan once faced similar challenges. It is difficult, but addressing waste issues is essential for creating a sustainable society and building better nations," he said.

Tsuneishi Kamtecs is leveraging its group companies in Southeast Asia to address the region's waste challenges. In Thailand, the company designs, builds and maintains wastewater treatment plants while supplying equipment and chemicals.

Meanwhile, its operations in Malaysia and the Philippines focus on recycling e-waste. These include non-ferrous metals, rare earths, and waste plastics.

Looking ahead, the company anticipates rising demand for recycling complex materials like solar panels and lithium-ion batteries. To meet this demand, Tsuneishi Kamtecs plans to strengthen collaboration with its overseas group companies and further expand its expertise in innovative recycling technologies.

*Masamichi Ito during his elementary school days at a school in Malaysia.*

Contributing to the Region 'Like My Father'

Itoh, who oversees the company's overseas business operations, spent part of his childhood in Southeast Asia. From first to fourth grade, he attended a local school in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, where his father's work had taken the family. As the only Japanese student, he faced language barriers and other challenges. Over time, however, he made local friends, explored the jungle with them, and grew to enjoy their adventures together.

Frequent power outages and water disruptions during heavy rains were part of daily life. "Those experiences taught me to adapt quickly to new environments, even when posted overseas," Itoh said. Reflecting on his goals, he added, "I want to contribute to regional economic development abroad, just as my father did."

After graduating from university, Itoh began his career at a securities firm. He gained sales experience there, before resigning. Following study abroad programs in the Philippines and Canada, he joined Tsuneishi Kamtecs in 2013 at the age of 31. Two years later, in 2015, he began working in the New Business & Overseas Operation Division, where he was stationed first in Thailand and later in the Philippines.

Itoh traveled extensively while driving the expansion of the company's environmental business, focusing on the Asia-Pacific and beyond. During his travels, he has gathered information and built relationships with environmental administrators in various countries.

Masamichi Ito (back, second from left) served as coach for the Philippine women's kendo team and traveled to Italy with them in 2024 when the team took part in the world championships for the first time.

The Power of Kendo

Itoh actively participates in a variety of community events while stationed overseas. His activities include prefectural associations for Japanese residents, business chambers, networking gatherings, and golf competitions. These activities have helped him build connections with individuals from diverse industries.

During his time in Thailand, he resumed practicing kendo at the age of 35. It was a discipline he had set aside during his student years. Kendo has been instrumental in forging connections with practitioners worldwide, including Japanese expatriates. It enriches both his personal and professional life.

Notably, in 2024, he coached the Philippine women's kendo team in their first appearance at the world championships. Over the year, he led rigorous training sessions and accompanied the team to the world competition in Italy.

*Employees of the company's Philippine subsidiary tour facilities of the Tsuneishi Kamtecs Group.*

*Employees from the company's Philippine subsidiary tour Tsuneishi Kamtecs facilities. (©Tsuneishi Kamtecs)*

Building Trust Through Understanding

When integrating overseas companies into the group, Itoh places a strong emphasis on understanding cultural differences and fostering communication. "It's crucial not to impose Japanese practices right away but to understand each country's unique culture, build relationships, and gain their acceptance," he explained.

As a first step, he focuses on improving work environments by renovating office interiors, staff break areas, and restrooms. These efforts help employees feel that becoming part of a Japanese group company is a positive and welcome change.

To further motivate and inspire talented employees, Itoh organizes visits to the company's headquarters in Japan. These visits allow employees to experience firsthand the kind of company they have joined, boosting morale and fostering a sense of pride. They also serve as an opportunity to share the group's vision of "improving the global environment" and "creating a recycling-based society."

*Masamichi Ito (third from right in the back) and employees of the Philippine corporation (©Tsuneishi Kamtecs)*

'Walking Together'

Itoh concluded by emphasizing, "Walking together with the local people is the most important thing."

In 2024, a Filipino employee who visited Japan sent Itoh the following email:

"Truly indeed, Japan is one of the cleanest countries in the world. When we saw the recycling technology of Japan, especially at TKAM, one thing came into our minds: “We hope someday the Philippines will invest in that kind of technology.” TKAM’s effectively turning waste into resources, from collecting all kinds of waste and the way they separate it, to burning and then turning it into products. It is incredibly amazing.

"Their recycling technology really saves the environment. If this technology [is brought to] the Philippines, we can definitely eliminate our “Smokey Mountain” of trash.

"Being one of the members of a large company that promotes saving the environment is indeed one thing that we can be proud of."

Challenges remain, but passion transcends borders ー it inspires and moves people. The transformation has already begun.

This report is published in cooperation with Tsuneishi Kamtecs, a logo partner of the JAPAN Forward website Japan 2 Earth focused on initiatives to achieve the SDGs. It was first published on Japan 2 Earth on March 21, 2025.